Feedback is important within any system and, within people-centered systems, it is critical. Where do you believe feedback lives within the Blueprint? You may feel that feedback is embedded in each district system, driver system, and building routine. Sounds logical, right? You create systems and routines within the Blueprint that need feedback to inform how they are working and what might need to be adjusted to improve the system or routine. Systems feedback is necessary; let’s also not forget about the need for personal feedback.
Within the Blueprint, personal feedback is provided to improve leader, teacher, and student performance. The Blueprint emphasizes growing leaders through Learning-Focused Partnerships. Learning-focused partnerships create the relationship and the opportunity for central office leaders to provide ongoing feedback and support to building leaders. Another focus of the Blueprint is on growing teachers through instructional leadership routines. Feedback and coaching are essential components of cultivating strong leaders and teachers. Enhancing the skills of leaders and teachers is a key to improved student performance.
Another area where feedback is emphasized within the Blueprint is within Teacher Collaborative Routines. Teachers collectively reflect and provide feedback on their own and their colleagues’ instructional practices. These reflective practices provide a rich environment for teachers to grow their individual classroom practices as well as their collective practices across grade levels or subject areas. Reflective practice also grows teachers’ collective efficacy – their belief that together they can positively impact the learning of each student.
Take a moment to reflect . . . in your role, where do you find yourself providing the most feedback? How does your feedback support others around you to learn and grow?
“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.”
~Bill Gates
